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THE 



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AND 



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I DORCHESTER CEMETERY MEMORIAL. 




BOSTON: 
PRINTED BY ALFRED MUDGE, 

No. 21 School Street. 

1845. 




Glass F?4 

Book .T^"^^ 



THE 



^ilt©S^^ l^ifit^i?, '' 



AND 



DORCHESTER GEHIETERY MEMORIAL, 



" Theron among his travels found 
A broken statue on the ground, 
An;! searching onwards as he went, 
He traced a ruin'd Monument; 
Mould, moss, and shades had overgrown 
The sculpture of the crumbling stone ; 
Yet, e'er he pass'd, with much ado. 
He guessed and spelt out SCIPIO." 



U OUaJOC^^ 



THIRD EDITION. 



BOSTON: 

PRINTED BY ALFRED MUDGE, 

No. 21 School Street. , 

1845. 



I]sU^ 



DEDICATION. 



To Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D., 

Pastor of the First Church in Dorchester. 

Permit me, Dear Sir, to inscribe this little Collec- 
tion to you, in token of my affectionate regard, and of 
my gratitude for the benefit I have derived from your 
preaching. 

I was your Sexton from April 1st, 1799, to October 
23d, 1836, a period of thirty-seven years and six 
months, and have attended 1279 funerals. y\ 

That it may be many years before you, or your 
family may need my services in this solemn vocation, 
IS the sincere wish of your friend, 

DANIEL DAVENPORT. 

Dorchester, January I, 1838. 



'v ^VIC^ 0^^/, ^^j^. 



} ,- 

.^3 



lO 



0, 



PREFACE 



My profession as Sexton, has made me familiar with 
the Burying Ground ; and I observed several very an- 
cient inscriptions on Monuments and Grave Stones, 
which were becoming illegible from the mouldering 
effects of time. Being desirous that they should be 
preserved, I have copied them, together with some 
which I thought curious and interesting ; and, that 
others might have the perysa! of them, I have for a 
long time proposed to have them printed. I have ar- 
raiK ^d them nearly in the order of their dates ; and 
have added some from Grave Yards which I have 
visited in other places. 

I have called the little book '' The Sexton's Moni- 
tor," because, while his work in digging graves re- 
minds him of death, the reading of Monumental In- 
scriptions repeats to him the solemn lessons of warning ; 
and because I have ventured myself to give some 
serious and v/ell attended advice. 

I hope that ail my readers will excuse any imperfec- 
tions that they may discover ; and remember him in 
their prayers, who, having buried others, must be 
buried himself, — for, in the words of Job, '•'If I id ait, 
the grave is in my house.'' D. D. 



THE BURIAL GROUND IN DORCHESTER. 



This is one of the most ancient in Massachusetts 
proper, and its grave-stones have been frequently con- 
sulted by antiquarians for historical and biographical 
notices, and by the curious for their quaint epitaphs. 
With pious regard for the memory of the venerated 
Puritan settlers, and the past generations of the honor- 
ed dead, some inhabitants of the town have lately 
caused the dilapidated monuments to be repaired and 
set up, and the rank weeds and brambles which had 
overgrown the humble hillocks, to be cleared out, to 
give place to some ornam.ental plants, — emblems of 
mortal life ; and evergreen trees, — emblems of the im- 
mortal. The subscription to defray the c ;^nse of 
such improvements in the condition of this place of 
graves, though applied to " garnish the sepulchres of 
the righteous," extended not to "build again the tombs 
of the prophets ;" as it was known that of the nine 
ministers who, with their flocks, had " gone down to 
the congregation of the dead," there were only tic o 
for whom monumental memorials had been raised, 
namely, Rev. Richard Mather, in 1669, and Rev. 
Josiah Flint, in 1680. Several months ago, however, 
the descendants of the honorable Moses Everett caused 
a tablet to be set up, inscribed with his name and 
those of the deceased members of his family, on which 
is mentioned his death in 1813, and that he was in the 
ministry from 1774 to 1793. It is, also, an affecting 
consideration, that no minister of the town has died in 
office within one hundred and seven years. 



MONITORY REMARKS. 



ADDRESSED TO SEXTON's IN GENEKAL. 

My FriExNds : — We are called to bury the dead. A 
serious calling indeed ! It ought to make us very 
thoughtful and considerate. When we dig the grave, 
or prepare the tomb, and toll the mournful bell, or lead 
the solemn procession to the house appointed for all the 
living, and at last cover up the dark abode of mortal- 
ity with earth, and spread the sods of the valley over 
it, — we should think that "Death is the end of all 
men, and the living should lay it to heart." And we, 
of all others, must be very insensible if so often called 
to these funeral services, we are not seriously impress- 
ed by them. 

Our assistance, also, is needed, and on many occa- 
sions wished for in preference to that of others ; par- 
ticularly for laying out **the corpse, and placing it in 
the coffin, and in making the arrangements for the 
funeral and the interment. Therefore we ought to be 
sober, and aim so to conduct, as by our helpfulness 
and tenderness, to relieve the feelings of those who 
employ us, and secure their good opinion. 

We ought to pay great attention to the common cer- 
emonies of funerals, for the minds of the mourners are 
very tender at such times, and they look for indulgence 
and sympathetic respect ; and we must be careful not 
to wound or hurt the feelings of any intentionally. 
Likewise we must aim to be punctual and prompt in 
our attendance, and not presume to dictate and give 
orders, unless we perceive it to be necessary, and ex- 
pected of us, but to follow the directions which are 

given. 

^ 1* 



sexton's monitor. 



We should attend the prayer with devout serious^ 
ness, that we may have our hearts properly affected 
by the solemn occasion, and that we may be more and 
better prepared for the committing of dust to dust, 
which we are expected to do with great solemnity. 

I need not to say any more, but to wish you all tem- 
poral and spiritual good ; and as we ere long must 
have some one to commit our lifeless remains to the 
silent grave, we may be prepared to be laid down 
there in peace, with a well-founded hope of a blessed 
resurrection and eternal life. Adieu ! 



EXTRACTS. 

'■' Farewell, my friends, I must be gone^ 
I have no home nor stay with you ; 
I'll take my staff and travel on. 
Till I a better world can view. 

" I'll march to Canaan's happy land, 

I'll rest on Canaan's peaceful shore, 
Where real pleasures never end. 

And mortal troubles come no more." 

" O lovely appearance of death, 

No sight upon earth is so fair ; 
Not all the gay pageants that breathe, 
Can with a dead body compare." 

'' When the vale of death appears, 
Faint and cold this mortal clay ; 
Kind forerunner soothe my fears. 

Light me through the darksome way. 
And break the shades, and usher in eternal day !" 

" Think, oh ye, who fondly languish 
O'er the graves of those you love ; 
While your bosoms throb with anguish, 
They are warbling hymns above." 



sexton's monitor. 



THE GARDEN OF GRAVES. 

Come with me to the Garden, 

That sacred spot of earth, 
Where ne'er is heard the airy song, 

Nor the wanton sound of mirth. 

There sleep the Widow and Fatherless, 

Deep beneath the sod, 
And there the bud of innocence 

Beside *' the man of God." 

And there is the grave of beauty, 
The form that was once divine ; 

There grows the weeping willow, 
And the yew-tree shades the shrine. 

There is the bed of the Lover, 
The cold sod wraps his head ; 

His bower of bliss is changed, 
And all its gay hopes fled. 

And there too sleeps the Tyrant, 
Despoiled of earthly power ; 

His robes of state and grandeur, 
The worms of earth devour. 

But around the lonely garden. 
The Spring of Time yet blooms ; 

And fair, though fading blossoms 
Exhale Iheir rich perfumes. 

Then come with me to the garden, 
W'here the race of mortals lie. 

Like seed that's buried in the earth 
To grow above the sky. 



8 SEXTON S MONITOR. 

INSCRIPTION ON A BURYING-GROUND. 

*' The resting-place of the dead, waiting for the living.'" 
BY W. M. HETHERINGTON, A. M. 

Here rest the dead ! silent and deep 

And dark and narrow is their iiome ; 
Here their long lonesome vigils keep, 

Waiting but till the living come ; 
Morn dawns not in its beauty here, 

No lustre-noonday suns can shed, 
Nor star-beams through the dim night peer 

That wraps the cheerless dead. 

Art thou a chief of daring breast, 

Of lofty brow and kindling eye, 
Is thine the flamino; meteor-crest 

That bursts through battle's lurid sky } 
O warrior ! doff thine eagle plume, 

Resign thy war-steed, brand and spear ; 
Disarmed, imprisoned in the tomb, 

Thy comrades wait thee here. 

Art thou a king, a hero, one 

At the dread bidding of whose word 
The grizzly War-Fiend buckles on 

His panoply, and bears his sword ? 
Halt, mighty conqueror ! blench thy cheek, 

Quell the red terrors of thine eye ; 
Here earth's proud Thunderers, silent, weak, 

To wait thy coming, lie. 

Art thou a man of loftiest mind. 

Statesman, philosopher, or bard ? 
One whose great soul can only find 

In native worth its high reward .'' 
Oh ! pluck the bright wreath from thy brow, 

And leave it in the hall of fame ; 
Here dwell the glorious dead, each now 

The shadow of a name. 



sexton's monitor. 



Art thou a youth of gentle breath ? 

One fond to roam by ripphng streams, 
With love's delicious woes opprest, 

And haunted with fantastic dreams ? 
Shake the soft fetters from thy heart, 

Dreamer ! the partners of thy fate, 
Struck now by no soft Cupid's dart, 

Thy coming; here await. 



o 



Woman ! young mother ! tender wife ! 

Ye dearest forms of mortal l)irth ; 
Sweet soothers of poor human life ! 

Fair angels of the happy hearth ; 
O matron grave ! O widow drear ? 

Wliate'er thou art, cherished or lone. 
The dead beloved await thee here, — 

The orave will have its own ! 



» 



Thou, too, bright blooming beauty ! thou, 

The load-star of a thousand eyes ! 
That liquid eye, that marble brow, 

That cheek where smile Morn's loveliest dyes. 
Oh ! veil those charms ! they too must share, 

Alas ! the universal doom ; 
The beauteous dead where are they ! where ? — - 

They wait thee in the tomb ! 

Here rest the dead ! here wait the hour 

When the last sob of livino- breath 
Shall pass away beneath the power 

Of that grim phantom, mightiest Death, — 
They rest in hope till He 

Who died, and lives for aye, shall come. 
To give them immortality, 

And call them to his home ! 



MEMORIALS. 



Dorchester, in Massachusetts, called by the In- 
dians Maftapan, was settled by emigrants from Eng- 
land, the beginning of June, 1630. They had two 
ministers, the Rev. John Warhasi, and the Rev. 
JoHX Maverick. Most of the first settlers removed, 
and began a settlement on Connecticut river, in the 
latter part of 1635, and called the place Windsor, and 
there Mr. Warham died, April 1, 1670. Mr. Mav- 
erick died in Boston, February 3d, 1636, aged 60. 

A new church was gathered at Dorchester, August 
23d, 1636, and Rev. Richard Mather was chosen 
teacher. He died April 22d, 1669, aged 73. 

In the latter part of the year 1639, the Rev. Jona- 
than Burr was settled colleague with Mr. Mather, 
and died August 9th, 1641, aged 37. 

Rev. John Wilson was ordained as assistant to Mr, 
Mather in 1649 ; and, after two years, was removed 
to Medfield, where he was pastor forty years, and died' 
August 23, 1691. 

Rev. JosiAH Flint was ordained Dec. 27, 1071 ; 
and died September 16, 1680, aged 35. 

Rev. John Danforth was ordained June 28, 1682; 
and died May 26, 1730, aged 78. 

Rev. Jonathan Bowman was ordained Nov.v5, 
1729 ; continued the pastoral office till December 14, 
1773, and died March 30, 1775, aged 68. 

Rev. MosEs Everett was ordained September 28, 
1774 ; continued pastor until January 14, 1793 ; and 
deceased March 25, 1813, aged 63. 

Rev. Tiiaddeus Mason Harris was ordained Oct. 
23, 1793. 

Rev. Nathaniel Hall was ordained as colleague 
with Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D., July 16, 1835. 



SEXTONS MONITOR. ll 

Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D., delivered 
his farewell discourses on Sunday, October 23, 1836, 
and removed to Boston, where he died April 3, 1842. 

A Second Ciiurch was gathered in the town Jan. 
1, 1808; and the Rev. John Codman was ordained 
pastor December 7, 1808. 



A Third Church was gathered in Dorchester June 
25, 1817, and the Rev. Edward Richmond installed 
Pastor. 



LIST OF ELDERS AND DEACONS OF THE 
FIRST CHURCH. 

George Minot was a Ruling Elder for 30 years, 
and died Dec. 24, 1671, aged 78. 

John Wiswall was Deacon from 1636, and a Rul- 
ing Elder several years ; but of the time of his death 
there is no account. 

Henry Withington died Feb. 2d, 1666, aged 79 ; 
having been a Ruling Elder 29 years. 

James HuMrHREYs, ordained Deacon June 3, 1666; 
and Ruling Elder March 13, 1668 ; died May 12, 
1686, aged 78. 

James Blake, ordained Deacon June 30, 1672; and 
Ruling Elder March 1, 1686 ; died June 28, 1700, 
aged 77. 

Samuel Clap ordained Ruling Elder Feb. 3, 1701 ; 
died Oct. 16, 1708, aged 74. 

Samuel Topliff, having been Deacon nine years, 
was ordained Ruling Elder Feb. 3, 1702 ; and died 
Oct. 16, 1722, aged 77. 

HoPESTiLL Clap was Deacon seventeen years, and 
Ruling Elder ten years ; and died September 2, 1719, 
aged 72. 

Daniel Preston, chosen Deacon May 23, 1686, 
and Ruling Elder in the year 1719, died March 13, 
1726, aged 77. 

Edward Clap, died January 8, 1664, having been 
Deacon 26 years. 



12 sexton's monitor. 

Richard WiTHiNGTON ordained Deacon March I , 
1669. 

Nicholas Clap. 

Samuel Clap. 

John Capen, ordained Deacon Feb. 13, 1656, and 
died Apr'l 4, iG92, aged 80 

Daniel Preston, died Nov. 10, 1707, aged 86. 

John Blake, ordained Deacon Feb. 16, 1717, and 
died March 2, 1718. 

James Blake, ordained Deacon June 4, 1672, and 
died Oct. 22, 1732, aged 80. 

Jonathan Clap, ordained Deacon March 1, 1719, 
and died Jan. 2, 1724. 

Hopestill Clap, ordained Deacon May 3, 1723, 
and died Dec. 26, 1759, aged 80. 

Nathaniel Topliff, ordained Deacon May 3d, 
1723, and died Dec. 15, 1751, aged 59. 

Richard Hall, chosen Deacon May 1, 1752, and 
died March 13, 1776, aged 70. 

Abu AH White, chosen Deacon Oct. 17, 1756, and 
died Oct. 5, 1804, aged 87. 

Samuel Topliff, chosen Deacon Sept. 1764, and 
died Sept. 18, 1807, aged 79. 

Edward Pierce, chosen Deacon -Sept. 28, 1777, 
and died Feb. 20, 1818, aged 83. 

James Humphreys, chosen Deacon December 17, 
1799.* 

Ebenezer Clap, chosen Deacon Jan. 8, 1809.* 

Henry Humphrey, chosen Deacon December 1, 
1833.* 



* Now living. 



STABLE OF THE NUMBER OF DEATHS ANNUALLY. 

[From 1630 to tlie end of 1C5G, the yearly number of deaths cannot be an 
certainedj probalily they did not exceed five a year ] 



Year. 


Deaths. 


Year. 


Deaths. 


Year. 


Dths. 


Year. 


Dths. 


1657 


17 


1704 


12 


1751 


3 6g 


1798 


34« 


1658 


9 


1705 


6c 


1752 


5\h 


1799 


38 


1659 


7 


1706 


10 


1753 


26 


1800 


41 


1660 


6 


1707 


12 


1754 


18 


1801 


44 


1661 


7 


1708 


14 


1755 


20 


1802 


6lu 


1662 


5 


1709 


11 


1756 


19 


1803 


50v 


1663 


5 


1710 


10 


1757 


19 


1804 


53 


1664 


8 


1711 


14 


1758 


18 


1805 


61 


1665 


5 


1712 


16 


1759 


28 


1806 


67 


1666 


6 


1713 


13 


1760 


28 


1807 


38 


1667 


7 


1714 


22 


1761 


53 


1808 


56 


1668 


5 


1715 


13 


1762 


26 


1809 


46 


1669 


6 


1716 


10 


1763 


25 


1810 


45 


1670 


4 


1717 


15 


1764 


23 


1811 


55 


1671 


5 


1718 


23 


1765 


24 


1812 


43 


1672 


3 


1719 


11 


1766 


38 


1813 


52 


1673 


6 


1720 


8 


1767 


29 


1814 


30 


1674 


4 


1721 


12^ 


1768 


26 


1815 


37 


1675 


13 


1722 


14 


1769 


29 


1816 


30 


1676 


28 


1723 


22 


1770 


33 


1817 


60 


1677 


12 


1724 


15 


1771 


18 


1818 


39 


1678 


20 


1725 


13 


1772 


23 


1819 


42 


1679 


18 


1726 


9 


1773 


24 


]820 


54 


1680 


-8 


1727 


6 


1774 


26i 


]82l 


50 


1681 


17 


1728 


10 


1775 


7iy 


]822 


50 


1682 


12 


1729 


9 


1776 


56/v 


1823 


49 


1683 


19 


1730 


11 


1777 


32Z 


]824 


68 


1684 


8 


1731 


16 


1778 


42m 


1825 


104 


1685 


4 


1732 


19 


1779 


19 


1826 


58 


1686 


7 


1733 


13 


1780 


18 


1827 


49 


1687 


10 


1734 


15 


1781 


13 


1828 


56 


1688 


20 


1735 


18 


1782 


17 


1829 


51 


1689 


13 


1736 


20 


1783 


27 


1830 


51 


1690 


3Sa 


1737 


18 


1784 


25n 


1831 


72 


1691 


20 


1738 


13 


1785 


18 


1832 


63 


1692 


16 


1739 


21 


1786 


250 


1833 


68 


1693 


17 


1740 


20 


1787 


29 


1834 


55 


1694 


12 


1741 


12 


1788 


11 


1835 


64 


1695 


9b 


1742 


10 


1789 


I6p 


1836 


91 


1696 


7 


1743 


27 


1790 


35 


1837 


66 


1697 


6 


1744 


22 


1791 


32 


1838 


76 


1698 


7 


1745 


26 


1792 


365 


1839 


72 


1699 


11 


1746 


27 


1793 


39 


1840 


66 


1700 


15 


1747 


36 


1794 


I9r 


1841 


77 


1701 


19 


1748 


28 


1795 


I7s 


1842 


92 


1702 


14 


1749 


29 


1796 


22 


1843 


83 


1703 


8 


1750 


37 


1797 


21 


1844 


82 



14 sexton's monitor. 



NOTES AND REFERENCES TO THE PRECEDING PAGE. 

a. In Mr. Blake's Manuscript Annals is this record, " In my fathers' book 
there is a memorandum in the account he kept, that from the first of April, 
J690, unto the first of July, 1691, that is, one year and four months, there died 
in Dorchester fifli/seven persons, thirty-three of them of the small-pox, the 
rest of a fever, and most of tJiem of a middle age. About the same time. 
1690, lost at sea 46 soldiers that went to Canada. In all 10.3." 

b. This year died Mrs. Anne Pierce, -widow of Mr. Robert Pierce, being 
104 years old. 

c. Feb. 6, 1705, died the widow Wy at, aged 94; "having as a midwife, 
assisted at the birth of one thousand, one hundred and more children." 

d. This year, 1721, the small-pox went through Boston, and it was in 
twenty-nine families in this town, whereof thirteen persons died, two of 
them strangers. 

e. In 1732, several aged people died of a prevailing epidemic cold. 
/. In 1740, died Mr. John Trescott, aged 90, and his wife aged 90. 
g. In 1751, twelve persons died between Nov. 22, and Dec. 24. 

h. In 1752, several died of an epidemic plurisy and nervous fever; twenty 
in January. 

i. In 1774, several aged persons died, Tiaraely, one of 95, two of 86, one of 
85, one of 84, one of 73, one of 62, and one of 58 years of age. 

j. In 1775 more aged persons died, namely, one (Mr. Israel Leadbetter,) ol 
97, one of 33, one of 86, two of 72, one of 67, and one of 64 years of age. This 
year also 40 soldiers were buried. 

k. In 1776, four died of the small-pox, 

I. In 1777, twelve died of the small-pox. 

m. In 1778, nine died of the small-pox. 

n. In 1734, several aged persons died, namely, one of 87, oi.e of 86, one of 
84, one ot 82, one of 76, one of 73, and one of 72 years of age. 

0. In 1786, died one person aged 86, and one 71. 

p. In 1789, one person died, aged 90, one 84, and one 75. 

q. In 1792, about 600 persons had the small-pox this year ; .six the natiura! 
way, of wliom three died, and nine died of those that had-bcen innoculated. 

r. In 1794, died one person aged 86, one 83, four 78, and one 77. 

*. In 1735, died one person aged 97, one 88, and two 78. 

t. In 1798, died aged persons, 85, 83, 81, 78, 71, and 70; and fifteen chil- 
dren under three years of age. 

u. In 1802, aged persons 87, 77, two of 72, one of 71, and one of 70. Eight 
persons died of a malignant fever, six of them children of Rlr. Belcher, be- 
tween the ages cf 14 and 30. 

V. In 1803, aged persons, 86, 85, two of 80, one of 78, 76, 55, 74, 70. 



15 



RECAPITULATION. 



[up to the end of 1844,] 

From June 1630 to the end of the year 1656, 
being 25 years and 7 months, there died, 
perhaps, 1^^ 

From 1657 to the end of 1844, 5280 

Whole number of deaths, since the first > 5380 

settlement of the town, ) 

The smallest number of deaths in any one > j^ 

year since 1793, was in 1797, being ) 

The largest number was in 1825, 9 in the ^ 

First,"30 in the Second, and 65 in the > 104 

Third Parish. ) 

The population in 1792 was 1722 

The population in 1820 was 3684 

The population, as taken in 1837, is . . . 4564 
During forty-four years of Dr. Harris's ministry, 
there died 2156, being an average number of forty- 
nine deaths a year. 



CEMETERY MEMORIAL. 

PART I. 



•' Let's talk of Graves, and Worms, and Epitaphs ; 
Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes 
Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth." — Shakspeark. 



EPITAPHS. 

[copied from the old yard in DORCHESTER.] 

I. 

Here lies the bodies of Mr. Barnard Capen, and 
Mrs. Jane Capen, his wife. He died Nov. 8, 1638, 
aged 76 years ; and she died March 26, 1653, aged 
75 years. 

II. 

[On two children lying in one grave, covered with a 
flat stone, but so broken that the upper part, Vvhich 
probably bore the name of the parents, was goiii.] 

Abel, his offering accepted is ; 
His body to the grave, his soul to bliss. 
On October twenty, and no more, 
In the year sixteen hundred 44. 

Submit submitted to her heavenly king, 
Being a flower of the eternal spring ; 
Near 3 years old she died in heaven to wait, 
The year was sixteen hundred 48. 

III. 

[Taken from a stone which had been broken into 
forty-five pieces.] 

Here lies three Clerks, their accounts are even. 
Entered on earth, carried up to heaven. 

[Note. This is a very ingenious reference to mer- 
cantile affairs, and the business of a clerk, to enter 



sexton's monitor. n 

accounts in the day-book, and camj ihem up to the 
Ledger ; it is casting up the reckoning for Time, and 
striking the balance for Eternity,] 

IV. 

Submit submitted down to dust, 
Her soul ascends up to the just : 

At near old she did resign, 

Her soul's gone to Christ, year '59. 

V. 

On the Honorable Major General Humphrey Ath- 
ERTON, who died Sept. 16, 1661. He was killed by 
falling from his horse on returning from Boston. 

Here lies our Captain and Major of Suffolk was withal, 
A Godly Magistrate was he, and Major General, 
Two troops of horse with him here came, such worth 

his love did crave, 
Ten companies of foot also, mourning marched to his 

grave ; 
Let all that read be sure to keep the faith as he has done ; 
With Christ he lives now crown'd, his name was Hum- 
phrey Atherton. 

VI, 

D. O. M. Sacer. 
RiciiARDUs hie dormit Mathrus, 
(Sed non totus, nee mora diuturna) 

Lastatus genuise pares. 
Incertum est utrum Doctior an Melior, 
Animum et gloria non quseunt humari. 

Divinely rich and learned Richard Mather, 
Sons like him, prophets great, rejoic'd this father. 
Short time his sleeping dust 's here's covered down 
Not so his ascended spirit or renown. 

V. D. M. in Angl, XVI annos. In Dor, N, A. 34 an, 
Ob, Apr, 22, 1669 ; Otatis suae 73. 

The following lines were composed for him : 

Richard Mather : anagram, *' a third charmer," 
Third in New-England's Dorchester 
Was this ordained Minister ; 

2* 



18 sexton's monitor. 

Second to none for fruitfulness 
Abilities and usefulness. 

Divine his charms, years seven times seven : 

Wise to win souls from earth to heaven. 

Prophet's reward he gains above 

But great's our loss by his remove. 

Sacred to God his servant Richard Mather, 

Sons like him good and great did call him father ; 

Hard to discern the difference in degree, 

*Twixt his bright learning and high piety. 

Short time his slumbering dust lies covered down, 

So can't his soul, nor his deserv'd renown. 
From his birth six lustres and a jubilee 
To his repose : but labour'd hard in thee 
O Dorchester, for more than thirty years 
His sacred dust with thee thine honour bears. 

VII. 

[On an ancient School Master in Dorchester, who 
died Feb. 24, 1674, aged 81. Written by himself] 

WILLIAM POLE. 

Ho Passenger ! its worth thy pains to stay, 
And take a dead man's lesson by the way. 
I was what now thou art, and thou shalt be 
What I am now, what odds 'twixt me and thee. 
Now go thy way, but stay, take one word more, 
Thy staff, for aught thou knowst, stands next the door 
Death is the door, the door of heaven or hell : 
Be warn'd, be arm'd, believe, repent. Farewell ! 

VIII. 
John Cornel, aged 64 years, died July 31, 1675. 

IX. 

Els Leke 
aged 80 year 
deceased Oct. 20. 

1678. 

X. 

Rev. JosiAH Flint, died Sept. 15, 1680, aged 35. 

A man of God he was, so great and good. 
His brightest worth was hardly understood. 



Thomas Leke 
aged 70 years 
deceased Oct. 27, 



sexton's monitor. 19 

So much of God and Christ in him did dwell, 
In grace and holiness he did excel. 
An honor and an ornament hereby 
Both to the Churches and the Ministry. 
Most zealous in the work of reformation 
To save his self-destroying generation. 
With courage strove 'gainst all this peoples sin, 
He spent his strength, his life, his soul therein. 
Consumed with holy zeal for God, for whom 
He lived and died a kind of Martyrdom. 

If men will not lament, their hearts not break, 
No wonder this lamenting stone doth speak. 
His tomb-stone cries repent, and souls to save 
Doth preach repentance from his very grave. 
'Gainst sinners doth a lasting record lie 
This monument to his blest memory. 

Psal. cxii, G. Prov. x, 7. 

XI. 



The ingenious Mathematician and Printer, Mr. John 
Foster, aged 33, died Sept. 9, 1681. 

Astra colis vivens, moriens superse thera Foster 
Scande precor, coelum metiri disce supremum ; 
Metier atque meum est, emit mihi dives Jesus, 
Nee tenior quicquam nisi grates solvere. 

[On the foot-stone was this inscription.] 
** Ars illi sua census erat." — Ovid. 
Skill was his cash. 

XII. 

Miss Mary Bradlay, aged 17, died March 8, 1684. 

XIII. 
Mr. Nathan Breadley, aged 70, died July 26, 170L 

XIV. 

In memory of Mrs, Ann, the wife of Mr. Robert 
Pierce, died December the 31, 1695, aged about 104 
years. 



20 sexton's monitor. 

XV. 

Mrs. Thankful Baker, relict of Mr. John Baker, 
aged 58 years, deceased the 29th of Jan. 1697-8. 

XVI. 

Elder James Humphreys, who died May 12, 1686, 
aged 78. 

Inclosed within this shrine is sacred dust, 
And only waits for the rising of the just. 
Most useful while he lived ; adorned his station, 
Even to old anje he serv'd his generation : 
Since his death thought of w^ith great veneration. 

How great a blessing this Ruling Elder he 
Unto the Church and Town and Pastors three. 
Mather he first did by him help receive ; 
Flint he did next of burdens much relieve ; 
Renowned Danforth he did help with skill. 
Esteemed high by all ; — bear fruit until 
Yielding to death his glorious seat did fill.* 



* The initial letters make an acrostic on his name. 

XVII. 

GuLiELMus Stoughtonus, armiger 
Provinciae Massachusettensis in Nova Anglia Legatus, 

deinde Gubernator ; 

Nec-non Curioe in eadem Provincia Superioris 

Justiciarius Capitalis, 

Hie jacet. 

Vir conjugii nescius, 

Religione sanctus, 

Virtute clarus, 
Doctrina Celebris, 
Ingenio acutus, 
Sanguine et animo pariter illustris ; 
vEquatatis amator, 
Legum propugnator, 
Collegii Stoughtoniani fundator, 
Literarum et Literatorum fautor, celeberrimus, 
Impietatis et vitii hostis acerrimus. 
Hunc Rhetores amant facudum, 
Hunc Scriptores norunt elegantem, 
Hunc Philosophi quaerunt sapientem, 



sexton's monitor. 21 

Hunc Doctores laudunt theologum, 
Hunc Pii venerantur austerum, 
Hunc omnes mirantur ! omnibus iornotum. 
Omnibus licet notum. 
Quid plura viator ? Quern perdidimus, — 
Stoughtonum ? 
Heu ! 
Satis dixi ; urgent lachrymse ; 
Sileo. 
Vixit annos septuaginta. 
Septimo die Julii Anno Salutis 1701 
Cecidit. 
Heu ! Heu ! Qualis Luctus ! 

xvin. 

[Copied from a grave-stone on the north-westerly 
part of the first laid out burying-ground.] 

Mrs. Miriam Wood. 
formerly wife of Mr, John Wood. 
who died October 19, 1706. 
An ancient School Mistress. 

A woman well beloved of all 

Her neighbours for her care of small 

Folks education, their numbers being great, 

That when she died she scarcely left her mate. 

So wise, discreet was her behaviours 

That she was well esteemed by neighbors. 

She lived in love with all to die, 

So let her rest to eternity. 

XIX. 

[On Deacon James Blake. Note, — He languished 
about seven years with an ulcerous leg, very painful, 
but at last died with an epidemic cold, which carried 
off many aged people.] 

Seven years strong pain do end at last, 
His weary days and nights are past. 
The way was rough, the end is peace ; 
Short pain give place to endless ease. 



22 sexton's monitor. 

XX. 

On Elder Hopestill Clap who deceased September 
2d, 1719, aged 72. 

His dust waits till the Jubilee 
Then shall shine brighter than the sky ; 
Shall meet and join to part no more, 
His soul that's glorified before. 

Pastors and Churches happy be 
With Rulincr Elders such as he : 
Present useful, absent wanted, 
Lived desired, and died lamented. 

XXI. 

Here lies interred the body of Mr. Jo^tatkan Mason, 
late of St. Christophers. He was the third son of Mr. 
Arthur, and Mrs. Joanna Mason, of Boston. He died 
at Stoughton house May 9, 1723, in the 47th year of 
his age. 

xxir. 

Here lieth the body of William Royal of North 
Yarmouth in the Province of Maine, who departed 
this life November the 7th, 1724, in the 85th year of 
his age. 

This stone is erected to the pious memory of his 
Father by his eldest son Isaac, as the last act of 
a dutiful remembrance. ^ 

He/e lies the body of the Honourable Isaac Royal, 
Esq. who departed this life at his seat in Charlestown, 
June the 7th, Anno Domini, 1736, ^tatis 67, He was 
a gentleman of superior natural powers, and great ac- 
quired knowledge ; Civil, affable, courteous, and just 
to all men ; remarkably dutiful to his parents, kind to 
his relations, and charitable to the poor. He was a 
faithful husband, a tender father, a kind master, and a 
true friend. He delighted in doing good. He was 
highly esteemed and respected during liis residence at 
Antigua, which was near 40 years, and advanced to the 
most honorable and important public employments civil 
and military, which he discharged with the highest 



sexton's monitor. 23 

reputation and fidelity. He returned with his Family 
to New England, his native Country, July 27, 1737. 

XXIII. 

Here lies tho body of Mr. Hezekiah Meroth,* who 
died March IG, 1749, aged 74. 

XXIV. 

In memory of William Marion, son of Mr. Wil- 
liam and Mrs. Thankful Marion. He died December 
llth, 1750, aged 3 years and 3 days. 

XXV. 

In memory of Mr. James Baker, who died Nov. 18, 
1776, aged 64. 

Preserve O grave inviolate thy trust, 
Till life divine reanimates this dust. 

XXVI. 

Capt. Abraham Wheeler, died June 20, 1778, 
aged 43. 

How loved, how valued once, avails thee not, 
To whom related, or by whom begot. 

XXVIT. 

Thomas Clap, son of Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Mary 
Clap, died August 3, 1786 ; being still born. 

XXVIII. 

Mr. Isaac Fenno, aged 32, died 1796. 

* O life, frail offspring of a day, 

'Tis pulF'd with one short gasp away. 
Swift as the short-lived flower it flies, 
It springs, it blooms, it fades, it dies. 

XXIX. 

From the grave-stone of Mr. Thomas Clap, who 
died August 11, 1798 ; aged 84. 

* The name is now spelt Munroe. 



^4 sexton's monitor. 

"He supplied the office of Sexton from the year 
1760 to 1797, making thirty -seven years ; and buried 
in that time 1080 persons."* 

XXX. 

Taken from the grave-stone of a child of Mr. Solo- 
mon and Mrs. Rachael Hall, aged 10 months, died 
1803. 

Parents of children take a last adieu, 
And so must children of their parents too. 

XXXI. 

Taken from the grave-stone of William Wilcox, 
(South Burying-ground) who died in 1820, aged 39. 

In business diligence with care he join'd, 
In spirit fervor with his hope combin'd, 
With sacred truth his life did well accord, 
He serv'd the public while he serv'd the Lord. 

* This is shown by the foregoing Table of Deaths ; but must include also 
the soldiers buried in 1775. 



PART II. 



*' And now each humble, narrow, nameless bed 
Whose grassy hiliock not in vain appeals 

To eyes that pass by Epitaphs unread, 
Rises to view. — How still the dwelling of the dead I 

It is a scene that well may call me back, 
If any could, to solemn, tender themes ; 

Let me then once more turn me to the track 
My thoughts were journeying : it is one that teems 
With truths of high import,— not baseless dreams." 

Bernard Barton's Poems, p. 68. 

Meditations in a Church Yard 



EPITAPHS AND INSCRIPTIONS. 

\^Copied by myself from stones in several grave-yards iii 

different towns. ^ 

[Taken from Newbury burying ground April 23d, 
1821, when employed to convey the body of Captain 
Isaac Greene Pierson to Newburyport.] 

Mr. Henry Sewall, (sent by Mr. Henry Sewell, his 
father,) in the Ship Eliza and Dorcas, Capt. Watts 
Commander, arrived at Boston 1634, wintered at Ips- 
wich, began this Plantation 1635, furnishing English 
servants, neat cattle and provisions ; married Miss 
Jane Plummer, March 25, 1646 ; died May 16, 1700, 
aged QQ. 

His fruitful vine being thus disjoined 
Fell to the ground Jan. 13, following. 

NEWBURYPORT. 

Here lies the body of Nicholas Pike, A. M., aged 
76. Acting Magistrate from July 4, 1776, to- the year 
1819. 

3 



26 SEXTON*S MONITOR. 

ROWLEY. 

Here lies the body of Deacon Joseph Chaplin, 
food for worms till the glorious resurrection morning 
Born 1752, died 1S13. 

MILTON. 

In memory of Mr. Jazaniah Sumner, who died May 
6, 1778, aged 66. Also his wife Mrs. Judith Sumner, 
who died Nov. 15, 1790, aged 68. 

So sleep the saints, and cease to groan, 

When sin and death have done their worst, 

Christ hath a glory like his own. 

Which waits to clothe their waking dust. 

II. 

Miss Mary McCarney died Jan. 4. 1791, aged 'iO 
years. 

I sleep in darkness till that glorious day 
When Christ my life shall roll the stone away ; 
Prepare to meet me in the world above, 
Where all shall join to sing redeeming love. 

III. 

Here lieth Deacon Roger SuMxNer, aged 66 years; 
died May 26, 1691. 

IV. 

Here lieth the body of Mrs Mary Wayt, the wife of 
Mr. Edward Wayt, aged 92, died Feb. 6, 1705. 

V. 

As corn maturely ripe is gathered home. 
So his remains are brought into the tomb ; 
To sleep in silence till that glorious day, 
When Christ his life shall role the stone away. 

ROXBURY, Jamaica Plains. 
Mr. David White, aged 70, died 1816. 
Death is a debt which I have paid ; 
And soon with me you must be laid. 



sexton's monitor. 27 

II. 

On Mrs. Mary Lethbridge, aged 32. — 1818. 

How blest the change to give a world like this, 
For robes of glory, and a crown of bliss. 

III. 

On Mr. Gulliver Winchester, aged 79, died 1811. 

This modest stone, what few vain marbles can, 
With truth may say, here lies an honest man. 

IV. 

On Mr. George Woods, who died 1815, aged 73. 
Deprived of health, though e'er so long, 
His patience good, his faith was strong. 

V. 

On Miss Sarah Sturtevant, aged 5 years ; 1791. 

And is the infant snatched away .? 
Must all this beauty now decay .'* 
Must it no more delight our eyes. 
Nor fill our souls with fond surprise. 

VI. 
Mary Wood, aged 5, died 1795. 

Just like a flower she was cut down, 

While reason began to bud. 
She early felt the stroke of death, 

It was the will of God. 

[From the Burying Ground in BOSTON, near the 
Old Granery.] 
On a tomb stone. 
Mr. Samuel Torrey, died Sept. 6, 1748, aged 73. 

" Samuel Torrey, died July 15, 1766, aged 68. 

'' Samuel Torrey, died Nov. 13, 1768, aged 42. 

" Samuel Torrey, died May 27, 1815, aged 57. 

II. 
Here lieth the body of Anna Sarch, the wife of Mr- 
John Sarch, aged 85, died May 11, 1674. 



28 sexton's monitor. 

III. 

Here lieth buried the body of Mr. John Wiswall, 
servant of Jesus Christ, Elder of the first Church in 
Boston, aged 86 years : departed this life the 17th day 
of August, A. D. 168T. 

IV. 

Mj John Downing, aged about 53 years, deceased 
April 29, 1694. 

I bargained with Christ for room below, 
He grants me a mansion in his upper story. 
Thus God gives more than we ask or know. 
And instead of grace, uninterrupted glory. * 

V. 

Here lies Richard Bellingham, Esq. late Gover- 
nor of the Colony of Massachusetts, who departed this 
life on the 11th day of December, 1672, in the 81st 
year of his age. 

Virtue's fast friend within this tomb doth lie, 
A foe to bribes, but rich in charity. 

[The Bellingham Family being extinct, the Select- 
men of Boston, in the year 1782, assigned this tomb to 
James Sullivan, Esq. 

The remains of Governor Bellingham are here pre- 
served, and the above inscription is restored from the 
ancient monument.] 

The family tomb of James Sullivan, Esq. late Gov- 
ernor and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts, who departed this life on the 10th of 
December, A. D. 1808, aged 64 years. His remains 
are here deposited. During a life of remarkable in- 
dustry, activity and usefulness ; amidst public and pri- 
vate contemporaneous avocations, uncommonly vari- 
ous, he was distinguished for zeal, intelligence and 
fidelity. Public spirited, benevolent, and social, he 
was eminently beloved as a man, eminently esteemed 
as a citizen, and eminently respected as a magistrate. 

Hie versatile ingenium, sic pariter ad omnia fuit ; ut 
natum ad id unum diceres, quod cunque ageret. 



sexton's monitor. 29 

[From the North Burying ground in Boston.] 

I. 
Here lieth the body of Mr. John Sweet, aged 82 , 
died 25th of April, 1685. 

II. 

Here lieth the body of Edward Grant, aged about 
60, deceased the 12th of June, 1630. 

III. 

Mrs. Ann McMillian, wife to Mr. James McMil- 
lian, deceased Feb. 28, 1805, aged 81. 

Happy soul, thy days are ended. 

All thy mourning days below ; 
Go, by angel guards attended, 

To the sight of Jesus go. 

IV. 

A Samuel returned to God 

In Christ after a short abode. 

On earth to shun earth's heinous crimes, 

Was here well put to bed betimes. 

The grave's as short as thou prepares. 

Lest thy death comes at unawares, 

V. 

Mary the wife of C/Esar Augustus, servant of Mr. 
Thomas Ball, aged 25. 

[From a tomb-stone,] 

The Rev. Doctors Increase, Cotton, and Samuel 
Mather, were interred in this vault. 

'Tis the tomb of our fathers. H. Mather Crocker. 
Increase died April 27, 1723, aged 84. Cotton died 
February 13, 1727, aged 65. Samuel died June 27, 
1785, aged 79. 

Hodie mihi, eras tibi. 

VI. 

Here lies buried the body of Mr. Obadiah Gill, 
deacon of the North Church in Boston, aged 50, de- 
ceased June 6, 1700. 

3# 



so sexton's monitor. 

VII. 
Mrs. Lydia Mason, died 30th Dec. 1803, aged 29. 
Her peaceful soul has fled, 

From this vain world of sin ; 
With her two infants dear are laid, 
Soon to rise, never to fall again. 

VIII. 

[From a tomb stone.] 

Charles Jarvis died Nov. 15, 1807, aged 59 years. 

A Physician, a Statesman, a Patriot, and an honest 
man ; whose dignified deportment, sublime eloquence, 
unbounded philanthropy, and other virtues, endeared 
his memory to his fellow-citizens. 

IX. 

Mr. Edward Barber, aged 80, June 9, 1677. 

X. 

Thomas, son of Edward and Marta Carnes, was 
accidentally killed Dec. 2ii, 1818, aged 5 years. 

Many are the shapes of death, and many are the 
ways that lead to his grim cave. All dismal. 

XI. 

William Francis, of Connecticut, died June 26th, 
1804, aged 20. 

Like flowery fields youth blooming stands, 
Pleased with the morning light ; 

The flowers, beneath the mowers hands 
Lie withering ere 'tis night. 

XII. 

Mrs. Alice, relict of lieutenant William Howard^ 
aged 72, deceased Nov. 18, 1681. 

XIII. 

Mr. Robert Fowle, died May 6. 1805, aged 63. 

Death thou hast conquered me, 
' And by thy dart I'm slain ; 
But Christ hath conquered thee, 
And I shall rise again. 



sexton's monitor. 31 

XIV. 

Here rests the body of Mr. John Buckley, Jun. of 
Saddleworth, near Manchester, Old England, who de- 
ceased 2.Sd August 1798, aged 23. 

In peace here rests a traveller's dust, 

His journey's at an end ; 
He prized esteem amongst the just, 

A censure from a friend. 

Broke loose from Time's tenacious chains, 

And earth's revolving gloom ; 
To rano;e at large in vast domains 

Of radiant worlds to come. 

ROXBURY, East Burying Ground. 

Taken from a grave-stone, removed from the place 
where it stood, and piled with several others, and which 
measured five inches in thickness. 

Samuel Dunklin, aged 6 w. died 28, 10th M. 1672. 

II. 

In memory of Edward Devotion, aged about 64 
years ; died Sept. 28, 1685. 

III. 

On two children of Otis and Mrs. Ruth Gould, 
one died in 1799, and the other in 1807. 

Farewell, sweet babes and take your rest, 
God called you home, he thought it best. 

IV. 

On Mr. Benjamin Thomson. 

Sub spe immortali : The herse of Benjamin Thom- 
son, learned School master and Physician, and the re- 
nowned poet of New England. Obiit Aprilis 13, Anno 
Domini. 1714, et setatis, su^e 74. Mortuus sed im- 
mortalis. 

V. 

Mary, the daughter of Benjamin aud Elizabeth 
Thomson, aged one year and six months 13 d. Died 
Sept. 10, 1716. 



32 sexton's monitor. 

VI. 

On Mrs. Elizabeth Clafton, aged 20, died 1814. 

When on her dying countenance was seen 
A smile, the index of a soul serene. 

VII. 

Here lies buried the body of the Rev. Shearjashub 
Bourne, late minister of the first Parish in Scituate, 
and son of the Hon. Melatiah Bourne, Esq., of Sand- 
wich, who died 14th August, 1768, a3t. 69. 

Cautious himself, he others ne'er deceived, 
Lived as he taught, and taught as he believed. 

CONCORD. 

[Furnished to me by a young man, a relative, who 
resided at Concord.] 

God wills us free ; Man wills us slaves. I will as 
God wills, God's will be done. 

Here lies the body of John Jack, a native of Africa, 
who died March, 1773, aged about 60 years. Though 
born in a land of slavery, he was born free ; though he 
lived in a land of liberty, he lived a slave, till by his 
honest, though stolen labours, he acquired the source 
of slavery, which gave him his freedom, though not 
long before his death. The grand tyrant gave him 
his final emancipation, and set him on a footing with 
kings. Though a slave to vice, he practised those vir- 
tues without which kings are but slaves. 

QUINCY. 

I. 

Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. Henry Flynt, 
who came to New England in the year 1635, was or- 
dained the first Teacher of the Church of Braintry, 
1639, and died 27th April, 1663. He had the char- 
acter of a gentleman remarkable for his piety, learn- 
ing, wisdom, and fidelity in his office. 

By him, on his right hand, lies the body of Margery, 
his beloved consort, who died March, 1686-7. Her 
maiden name was Hoar. She was a gentlewoman of 



sexton's monitor. 33 

piety, prudence, and peculiarly accomplished for in- 
structing young gentlewomen, many being sent to her 
from other towns, especially from Boston. 

Descendants of goodly families in Old England. 

II. 

Here lies buried the body of Joanna Quincy, the 
wife of Mr. Edmund Quincy, aged 55, died 16th May, 
1680. 

III. 

[Inscription on the monumental stone to the memory 
of the Rev'. Moses FisUe, of Braintree, who was or- 
dained nth Sept. 1672, and died 10th of August, 1708, 
in his 66th year.] 

Braintree, thy prophet's gone ; this tomb inters 
The Reverend Moses Fiske his sacred herse. 
Adore heaven's praiseful art that formed the man, 
Who souls, not to himself, but Christ oft wan ; 
Sailed through the straits with Peter's family, 
Renowned, and Gains' hospitality ; 
Paul's patience, James' prudence, John's sweet love, 
Is landed, entered, cleared and crowned above, 

IV. 

Inscription on the Monument of the ever revered 
and learned Leonard Hoar, D. M. and sometime Pres- 
ident of Harvard College, who died Nov. 28, 1675, 
aged 45. 

Three precious friends under this tombstone lie, 
Patterns to aged, youth, and infancy, 
A great mother, her learned son, with's child. 
The first and least went free, He was exiled. 
In love to Christ, this country, and dear friends, 
He left his own, crossed seas, and for amends, 
Was here extolled, envied, all in a breath. 
His noble consort leaves, is drawn to death. 
Strange changes may befall us ere we die. 
Blest they who well arrive at eternity. 
God grant some names, O thou New England's friend, 
Don't sooner fade than thine, if time's don't mend. 



34 sexton's monitor. 

His aged and pious relict, the late Madam Usher, 
was brought hither from Boston, and interred in the 
same grave, according to her desire, May 30, 1723, 

V. 

Sacred to the memory of Josiah Quincy, jun. of Bos- 
ton, Barrister of Law, youngest son of Josiah Quincy, 
Esq., late of this place. Brilliant talents, uncommon 
eloquence, and indefatigable application raised him to 
the highest eminence in his profession. His early, en- 
lightened, inflexible* attachment to the cause of his 
country is attested by monuments more durable than 
this, and transmitted to posterity by well known pro- 
ductions of his genius. 

He was born the 23d of February, 1744, and died 
the 26th of April, 1775. His mortal remains are here 
deposited with those of Abigail, his wife, daughter of 
William Phillips, Esq., born the 14th of April, 1745, 
died the 25th March, 1793. 

Stranger, in contemplating this monument as the 
frail tribute of filial gratitude and affection ; 

Glows thy bold breast with patriotic flame ? 
Let his example point the paths of fame ! 
Or seeks thy heart, averse from public strife, 
The milder graces of domestic life ? 
Her kindred virtues let thy soul revere. 
And o'er the best of mothers drop a tear ! 

[On the other side of this monument is this inscription.] 

Josiah Quincy, jun. Esq., born 23d Feb. 1744, died 
26th April, 1775. 

Abigail Quincy, born 14th April, 1745, died 25th 
March, 1793. 

To their united and beloved memory, this monument 
was erected by their only surviving child, 1802. 

VL 

On Dr. Benjamin Vinton, aged 38. — 1813. 

No pains, no grief, no anxious fear, 
Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 

Can reach the peaceful sleeper here. 
Whilst angels watch hie soft repose. 



sexton's monitor. 35 

VII. 

Mrs. Mary Brackett, aged 76, died 1805. 

Sleep here awhile concealed in earth, 
'Till the glad spring ofnature's second birth ; 
Then quit the transcient winter of the tomb, 
To rise and flourish in immortal bloom. 

VIII. 

[Copy of an epitaph on the tombstone of Mr. Wm. 
H. Robins, who was buried at Cheraw, S. Carolina.] 

My name — my country, — What is that to thee ? 
What, — whether high or low my pedigree } 
Perhaps, — I far surpassed all other men ! 
Perhaps, — I fell below them all, — what then ^ 
Sujffiice it, stranger, that thou see'st a Tomb, — 
Thou knowest its use, — it hides, — no matter whom. 



The whole number of funerals attended by Mr. Dav- 
enport, up to the 1st of February, 1845, was 1593. 



86 sexton's monitor. 

LINES ADDRESSED TO A SEXTON. 

[Written for the Sexton's Monitor, by Dr. Harris, a short time before his 
death, and addressed to Mr. Daniel Davenport.] 

Come, honest Sexton, take thy spade, 
And let my grave be quickly made. 
Thou still art ready for the dead 
Like a kind host to make their bed. 
I now am come to be thy guest, 
In some dark lodging give me rest : 
I'm very weary, full of pain, 
And of my pilgrimage complain. 
On heaven's decree I waiting lie, 
And all my wishes are to die. 
Soon shall be heard my passing bell. 
Farewell, my loving friends, farewell. 



CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS 

"When I look upon the tombs of the great, every 
motion of envy dies within me. When I read the epi- 
taphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes out. 
When I meet with the grief of parents on a tombstone, 
my heart melts with compassion. When I see the 
tombs of parents themselves, I consider the vanity of 
grieving for those whom we must quickly follow. When 
I see rivals placed side by side on the same low level, 
and those that divided the world by their contests and 
disputes, now humble and peaceable, — I reflect with 
sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, fac- 
tions and debates of mankind. When I read the sev- 
eral dates on the tombs, of some that died as yester- 
day, and some centuries ago, I consider that great 
day, when we shall all of us be contemporaries, and 
make our appearance together." 



•/^ 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 





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